Those who had built had, one by one, relinquished their indentures, either by sale or barter, to Farmer Springrove’s father. New lives were added in some cases, by payment of a sum to the lord of the manor, etc., and all the leases were now held by the farmer himself, as one of the chief provisions for his old age. The steward had become interested in the following conversation:-- ‘Try not to be so depressed, father; they are all insured.’ The words came from Edward in an anxious tone. ‘You mistake, Edward; they are not insured,’ returned the old man gloomily. ‘Not?’ the son asked. ‘Not one!’ said the farmer. ‘In the Helmet Fire Office, surely?’ ‘They were insured there every one. Six months ago the office, which had been raising the premiums on thatched premises higher for some years, gave up insuring them altogether, as two or three other fire-offices had done previously, on account, they said, of the uncertainty and greatness of the risk of thatch undetached. Ever since then I have been continually intending to go to another office, but have never gone. Who expects a fire?’ ‘Do you remember the terms of the leases?’ said Edward, still more uneasily. ‘No, not particularly,’ said his father absently. ‘Where are they?’ ‘In the bureau there; that’s why I tried to save it first, among other things.’ ‘Well, we must see to that at once.’ ‘What do you want?’ ‘The key.’ They went into the south aisle, took the candle from the font, and then proceeded to open the bureau, which had been placed in a corner under the gallery. Both leant over upon the flap; Edward holding the candle, whilst his father took the pieces of parchment from one of the drawers, and spread the first out before him. ‘You read it, Ted. I can’t see without my glasses. This one will be sufficient. The terms of all are the same.’ Edward took the parchment, and read quickly and indistinctly for some time; then aloud and slowly as follows:-- ‘And the said John Springrove for himself his heirs executors and administrators doth covenant and agree with the said Gerald Fellcourt Aldclyffe his heirs and assigns that he the said John Springrove his heirs and assigns during the said term shall pay unto the said Gerald Fellcourt Aldclyffe his heirs and assigns the clear yearly rent of ten shillings and sixpence.... at the several times hereinbefore appointed for the payment thereof respectively. And also shall and at all times during the said term well and sufficiently repair and keep the said Cottage or Dwelling-house and all other the premises and all houses or buildings erected or to be erected thereupon in good and proper repair in every respect without exception and the said premises in such good repair upon the determination of this demise shall yield up unto the said Gerald Fellcourt Aldclyffe his heirs and assigns.’ They closed the bureau and turned towards the door of the church without speaking.